Pecco Bagnaia on Malaysia: “The best opportunity to have some fun!”

“I can ride the way I want to again,” Francesco Bagnaia was quoted as saying in February. The two-time MotoGP World Champion made this statement after the pre-season test in Sepang.

The season turned out differently for the Ducati rider – he failed to make the podium at the last nine race weekends. The Sepang International Circuit is one of the Italian’s favourite tracks, so his anticipation is correspondingly high: “I love riding here!” Last year’s event also went well for the rider with number 63: “Last year, I secured pole position and the sprint victory without any problems.”

Pecco Bagnaia: “I’ll take a few more risks to be successful”

The circuit is set to provide a welcome change of pace in the 29-year-old’s otherwise lacklustre season, and Bagnaia intends to adapt his approach to the event accordingly. “I’ll take a few more risks to be successful.” However, the conditions are different from those during pre-season: “The tyres are different. It will be interesting to see how the new medium tyre performs here.” The tarmac on the home straight has also been resurfaced. Nevertheless: “It’s my best chance to have some fun!”

Meanwhile, the upcoming race weekend in Qatar is already casting a shadow over the field. The majority of riders are said to be in favour of cancelling it, but time is running out. Four days after the chequered flag falls in Sepang, the first sessions are scheduled at the Lusail International Circuit. Bagnaia refused to reveal the current situation on this matter: “I don’t want to comment on the issue. We’ll wait until the very last moment.”

Topic of the week

Soon-to-be world champion Kimi Antonelli: The inevitable will then follow in Mexico

The 20-year-old Italian Kimi Antonelli had the chance to secure the 2026 World Championship title at the US Grand Prix. He did everything right: victory in Texas. The title celebrations have nevertheless been postponed. Until Mexico.

Read More

TV Program

Tomorrow

Sepang: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

30.10.2026 - 01:55